Word Origin & History

recreation 1390, "refreshment or curing of a person, refreshment by eating," from O.Fr. recreacion (13c.), from L. recreationem (nom. recreatio) "recovery from illness," from recreatus, pp. of recreare "to refresh, restore," from re- "again" + creare (see create). Meaning "refresh oneself by some amusement" is first recorded c.1400; abbreviated form rec is attested from 1929. Verb recreate "to refresh by physical influence" is attested from c.1560, but not now used, probably from confusion with re-create (q.v.). Recreational is from 1656.

Example Sentences for recreation

Hubert, quite excited by this day of recreation and of fete, was the only one who had anything to say.

Always work had stolen from him these treasures—dreams, recreation and knowledge.

We then went to the chapel, where a short Mass was celebrated, after which we had an hour's recreation.

Greenwich was the place fixed on for the dinner, and we prepared for the day of recreation.